There was an air of celebration at Perth’s Riverside Theatre as Rob Thomas kicked off the Australian leg of his All Night Days Tour — his first solo visit since 2019, and a return to the country where he’s long been welcomed as one of its own. The anticipation was palpable even before he stepped onstage, following a warm and at times fiery opening set from Siobhan Cotchin, whose soulful and rocked-out country tones perfectly set the mood for what was to come.
From the moment Thomas appeared and launched into the uplifting “I Believe It,” the crowd was instantly on board, hands in the air and smiles all around. The night had that special electricity that comes when an artist and audience are equally thrilled to be reunited. Rob is one of those performers who seems to instinctively know how to bring new material to life on stage with the same passion as his classics. Tonight Thomas once again delivered on the promised a night of ‘connection, energy, and unmistakable authenticity’, but not just delivered, he delivered in spades.
The early section of the set was a blend of the familiar and the new. “Give Me the Meltdown” brought a funky pulse, with the crowd immediately responding to its infectious groove, before the bittersweet “Can’t Help Me Now” from 2019’s Chip Tooth Smile showcased the emotional depth of his later work. “Her Diamonds” arrived early and was met with whoops of recognition — the entire room joining in on the chorus. Thomas smiled as the audience sang every word, sliding smoothly into the glistening “Picture Perfect” and the gently soulful “Heaven Help Me,” the former drawn from latest album All Night Days and already sounding like a long-time staple; and the latter from 2015’s The Great Unknown. “Mockingbird,” one of the Cradlesong album’s classics, shimmered with a country-rock edge that perfectly captured the balance of melancholy and hope that runs through his latest work.
As ever, Thomas’s connection with the crowd was effortless. He joked with the crowd before slipping into the reflective “If You’re Gone,” a moment that sent a hush over the room, and followed it with the more fun that you might expect “Hard to Be Happy” from the new record, and “Someday” from Cradlesong. Midway through the set, the tone shifted with “Getting Late,” which morphed mid-song into a barroom swing of Elvis Presley’s “That’s All Right,” complete with brushed drums and honky-tonk piano. It was one of many moments where his exceptional band — featuring two keyboard players, two or three guitars in rotation, bass, drums, and strong female backing — truly shone. Each player added their own flair, and the interplay between the guitars gave songs like “Fire on the Mountain” and “Thrill Me,” another instant classic, a lively, textured edge.
There were plenty of light hearted moments too. Sitting at the piano, Thomas told an amusing story about touring with Matchbox Twenty in Phoenix and getting off the bus in full “rock star” mode — only to realise his dog desperately needed a walk. “Little moments,” he said with a grin, before launching into “Little Wonders,” one of the night’s most beautiful singalongs. Staying at the piano for “3AM,” he let the audience take the reins, their voices rising in unison as a saxophone solo added a soulful twist to the Matchbox Twenty classic. From there, the mood lifted again with the jangly, upbeat “Streetcorner Symphony,” which had the entire theatre on their feet, clapping along.
As the show neared its close, Thomas and the band leaned into the grooves with “Lonely No More” — a joyous explosion of funk and pop, with the crowd chanting the “whoa-oh-ohs” in perfect time — and a powerful “I Am an Illusion,” which closed the main set on a muscular, riff-heavy note. The band briefly left the stage, returning moments later to thunderous applause. The encore began with the album’s title track, “All Night Days,” a song that captures everything Thomas does best: melodic, heartfelt, and full of energy.
Before wrapping up, Thomas paused to reflect on his 30 years of touring Australia and the friendships he’s made here — a moment of genuine gratitude that drew a heartfelt cheer. Then came a joyous cover of INXS’s “New Sensation,” a nod to his deep connection with Australian audiences, followed by a smoking rendition of “Smooth” that saw the theatre transformed into a dance floor. The night ended, fittingly, with “This Is How a Heart Breaks” — a burst of adrenaline that sent everyone home beaming, sweaty, and satisfied.
From the soulful ache of “Can’t Help Me Now” to the celebratory stomp of “Lonely No More,” Rob Thomas once again proved why he remains one of modern pop-rock’s most consistent and compelling live performers. His voice, his songs, his stories — all were delivered with warmth, humour, and total sincerity. Backed by one of the tightest bands on the road, Thomas turned Perth’s opening night into a masterclass in connection, musicianship, and the sheer joy of live music.
Rob Thomas opened his 2025 Australian tour with a show that had it all — heartfelt storytelling, flawless musicianship, and a deep sense of joy that filled every corner of the Riverside Theatre. Backed by a world-class band and armed with a catalogue that spans soul, pop, rock, and country, he reminded Perth exactly why he’s one of the most beloved live performers of his generation. This wasn’t just a concert — it was a celebration of connection, memory, and music that still means something. If the Perth opening night is any indication, ‘All Night Days’ is not just an album title — it’s a bold statement from an artist who seems to live and breathe music, all night and every day.
It’s a second date in Perth again on Saturday then the rest of Australia awaits. You’ll love it!
SETLIST: I Believe It | Give Me the Meltdown | Can’t Help Me Now | Her Diamonds | Picture Perfect | Heaven Help Me | Mockingbird | If You’re Gone (Matchbox Twenty song) | Hard to Be Happy | Someday | Getting Late / That’s All Right | Fire on the Mountain | Little Wonders | 3 AM (Matchbox Twenty song) | Thrill Me | Streetcorner Symphony | Lonely No More | I Am an Illusion | Encore: All Night Days | New Sensation (INXS cover) | Smooth (Santana cover) | This Is How a Heart Breaks
All Photos by JIM TROCCHIO
Many thanks to Kerry O’Brien, TEG Van Egmond and Rob Thomas
TOUR DATES – THE ALL NIGHT DAYS TOUR
Friday 24 & Saturday 25 October: Perth, PCEC Riverside Theatre
Monday 27 October: Adelaide, AEC Theatre
Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 October: Melbourne, Forum Melbourne
Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 November: Sydney, Enmore Theatre
Saturday 8 November: Brisbane, Sandstone Point (with special guests)
Telstra Presale: Monday 26 May, 11AM – Wednesday 28 May, 11AM Local Time
General Public On Sale: Thursday 29 May, 12PM Local Time
For Tickets Visit TICKETEK
Connect with Rob Thomas: Facebook / X / Instagram / YouTube
For further Information Visit: www.tegvanegmond.com or https://robthomasmusic.com/
